Money Talks — Part 1

Warm-Up

Growing up, what did your family teach you—directly or indirectly—about money?

Know It

Read Psalm 24:1, 1 Chronicles 29:14, Matthew 6:19-24, 33. What is your first response to these passages and what questions do you have?

1. What does this scripture teach us about God’s expectations of stewardship?
2. What is David’s perspective in 1 Chronicles? How would you explain this to someone else?
3. How do these passages (Matthew 6:19–24) reveal the connection between where we invest our earthly treasures and where our hearts are devoted? How should this truth shape the way we manage our money and possessions as followers of Christ?

Own It

1. What would it practically look like to put God first in your financial decisions? Is there an area where fear, comparison, comfort, or the desire for more is competing with your trust in Him?
2. Is there an area of your finances or possessions that you find particularly difficult to surrender to God? Why?
3. What are some ways money can become a master in your life or the lives of others, even when people don’t consider themselves wealthy?
4. Of the three sermon points, which one has the biggest impact on you and why?

• It’s not mine. God OWNS it all.
• Money makes a great TOOL, but a terrible MASTER.
• When God owns it all, I don’t have to CARRY it all.

Next Steps

1. What has God entrusted you with that you could steward more intentionally (time, talents, relationships, influence, opportunities)?
2. Write down one change you would like to make and one thing you can do this week to take action.

Challenge

Before making a financial decision, pause and ask God how He wants you to manage what He’s entrusted to you.

This could apply to a few of the following:

• A purchase you’re considering.
• A savings or investment decision.
• An opportunity to give generously.
• A financial commitment.
• A way to bless someone else.
• A decision to choose contentment instead of comparison.